Quint Kessenich's Top 25 men's college lacrosse players

Caption1. Rob Pannell, Cornell attackman

Cornell University

The 2011 National Player of the Year has 252 points in 54 career games. He sat out most of 2012 with a broken foot. Cornell has a favorable schedule, and Pannell is surrounded by talent — that bodes well for big stats. He is the country's best dodging attackman from behind the goal who...

The 2011 National Player of the Year has 252 points in 54 career games. He sat out most of 2012 with a broken foot. Cornell has a favorable schedule, and Pannell is surrounded by talent — that bodes well for big stats. He is the country's best dodging attackman from behind the goal who... (Cornell University)

The Portland, Ore., product is the reigning Tewaaraton Award winner. Baum scored 97 points last spring, averaging 5.4 per game. He is a sleek ball carrier who has exceptional shot velocity and accuracy on the run. Baum can dodge from all spots on the field. Very few defenders can handle him...

The Portland, Ore., product is the reigning Tewaaraton Award winner. Baum scored 97 points last spring, averaging 5.4 per game. He is a sleek ball carrier who has exceptional shot velocity and accuracy on the run. Baum can dodge from all spots on the field. Very few defenders can handle him... (Colgate University Athletics)

The Gilman grad has a balanced skill set and magnificent midrange game, and is crafty around the crease, shooting 42 percent last year. Holman is a hustler who plays with high energy. Don't let his laid-back vibe fool you — he averaged 4.35 points per game and is surrounded by playmakers.

The Gilman grad has a balanced skill set and magnificent midrange game, and is crafty around the crease, shooting 42 percent last year. Holman is a hustler who plays with high energy. Don't let his laid-back vibe fool you — he averaged 4.35 points per game and is surrounded by playmakers. (Jeffrey A. Camarati, University of North Carolina Athletics)

The senior from the Orlando, Fla., area is a disruptive force. Bernhardt plays at a pace most can't match. His competitive spirit sets him apart. He defends like Ravens safety Bernard Pollard, roaming around and flying to the ball, causing havoc.

The senior from the Orlando, Fla., area is a disruptive force. Bernhardt plays at a pace most can't match. His competitive spirit sets him apart. He defends like Ravens safety Bernard Pollard, roaming around and flying to the ball, causing havoc. (Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun)

The ambidextrous junior has an intuitive game sense. He averaged 3.75 points per game while shooting 38 percent from the midfield last season. Schreiber showcases a variety of moves, is deceptively strong and has become a sensational setup man, capitalizing on quick double teams.

The ambidextrous junior has an intuitive game sense. He averaged 3.75 points per game while shooting 38 percent from the midfield last season. Schreiber showcases a variety of moves, is deceptively strong and has become a sensational setup man, capitalizing on quick double teams. (Jim OConnor-US PRESSWIRE)

A lacrosse game consists of countless plays, but the outcome can hinge on just a small fraction of them. And while heart and hustle do count, those plays will be made more often than not by the team with the superior talent. Here's a look at the 25 players in the country who give their squads...